Lagos Rail Project in Nigeria

Lagos Rail Project in Nigeria: The long-awaited metro rail service began recently in Lagos through the Blue Line that runs from Marina to Mile 2. The first passengers who included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were carried on Monday, the 4th of Sep 2023.

Noteworthy, the Blue Line Rail is equipped with state-of-the-art security features. These include 300+ CCTV cameras and command centres at all stations as well as an independent power plant according to Sanwo-Olu. The power plant is meant to ensure the trains can have uninterrupted movement.

“We are starting partial passenger operations on this line from 6:30-10 am and 4-9:30 pm. For starters, there will be a total of 12 trips a day in the first 2 weeks. However, we shall gradually increase the trips to 76 per day,” explained the governor.

Lagos Rail Project Overview

Lagos Rail Project is an urban rail system being constructed in Lagos. The project is being managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

Equipment like electric power, rolling stock, signalling and fare collection equipment for the rail be offered by the private sector under a Concession Contract. LAMATA will be responsible for, regulation, policy direction, and infrastructure for the network.

The first phase of the network, the Blue Line, was earlier planned to be completed in 2011, though the scheme suffered many delays brought by funding shortfalls and government changes. In February 2021, the Lagos State Government revealed that the Blue and Red Lines will be opened by December 2022.

The rapid transit plan in Lagos started in 1983 with the Lagos Metroline network developed by Alhaji Lateef Jakande during the time of the Second Nigerian Republic. The first project for the Metroline was scrapped in 1985 by Muhammadu Buhari at a loss of more than $78 million to the Lagos taxpayers.

The idea to develop Lagos Rail Project was revived by Governor Bola Tinubu later in the 2000s with the construction set in December 2003. This first proposal worth $135 million was part of the wider Lagos Urban Transportation scheme to be implemented by the formed Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

LAMATA earlier concentrated on creating a Bus Rapid Transit system, running between Mile 12 and Lagos Island. However, it decided to progress with the rail scheme later in 2008, focusing much on the Blue and Red Lines.

Lagos Rail Project Timeline

2008

A metro was proposed to be developed in Lagos.

2009

Construction started on the Blue Line.

2010

Lagos Rail construction was approved to proceed.

2011

In September, LAMATA revealed that it would get some H5-series subway trains earlier used by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The automotive was to be refurbished in the United States and converted to standard gauge, imported, and brought into service on the Red and Blue lines. The same contract also comprised an option for some H6-series subway cars from the Toronto Transit Commission but was later cancelled. The trains were constructed as two-unit married pairs with the driver’s cab in the front right corner of every car.

2015

In January, LAMATA decided to get Chinese-built trains rather than ordering 15 electro-diesel multiple units planned from CNR Dalian with an option for 14 more. Around 76 H5 cars that were taken for refurbishment to Buffalo, New York, were scrapped by August 2015.

The Infrastructure Bank (TIB) in a joint venture with the Marina Express Train Service Ltd (METSL) has committed to constructing the proposed Lagos Metro Rail Transit (LMRT). The project will gulp a total cost of US$2.4bn.

This was revealed by Sen. Idris Umar the Transport Minister during the Right of Way (ROW) handing over an event that took place in Abuja for the construction of the proposed rail line, the Iddo-Agbado Corridor. However, the proposed Lagos State Mass Transit Train Services (MTTS) also known as Red Line scheduled to operate in the metropolis of Lagos State.

In line with the report issued by the Minister for Transport, the MTTS Red line will be responsible for moving a massive number of persons in a day from Agbado to the Marina axis which will now take a maximum of 4 to 5 hours. In fact, the project is aimed at easing transport challenges, especially in the commercial centre which is the core economic development of the country that is estimated to accommodate a population density of about 20 million.

Mr Umar was also pleased with the request by the Lagos State Government to the federal government to release the Easter section of the existing NRC Right of Way in Lagos. Expressing his gratitude, he said that the request was well received by a Technical Committee with representatives from the Ministry of Transport, NRC, Lagos state government, and Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) who will look into the possibility of sharing the existing NRC rail corridor in Lagos without interruption in the operation of the corridor.

According to Mr. Olusegun Aganga the Industry Trade and Investment Minister, the project will generate between 5,000 and 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities respectively for the immediate State residents.

October 2015

Rail mass transit construction project in Nigeria on track

The construction of the Lagos Rail Project in Nigeria is in good progress. Also known as the Blue Line project, the project is expected to ease the transport needs of the fast-growing population in Lagos. The project construction is being supported by the government of the United Kingdom.

London mayor Alderman Alan Yarrow led a team of London business delegations in a round-table meeting to discuss the progress of the project. The meeting was also attended by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) officials.

One of the strategic master plan transport projects to be implemented in the coming 20-30 years is the Blue Line project. The project plan is estimated to cost US$20bn on six rail lines; 14 BRT lanes; three cable car projects; 20 waterway routes and one monorail.

The Rail Mass Transit construction Project in Nigeria will involve 11 stations and a 27.522km rail track from Okokomaiko to Marina. Phase I of the project is anticipated to have engulfed US$1.12bn for the 7km covering 2 miles to the National Arts Theatre has been completed. However, Phase II of 5km has already commenced from the National Arts Theatre to the Marina.

According to Dayo Mobereola, the LAMATA Chief Executive Officer clarified that the delay was due to funding issues and that is why the State Government is currently pursuing potential investors in the capital-intensive project.

Lagos can successfully be transformed into a city of infrastructural development for easy transportation of persons and goods. This can easily be achieved through the implementation of the rule of law in the city ensuring the right contracts are in place.

May 2016

Monorail construction project in Nigeria gets boost from Japan, France

The Monorail construction project in Nigeria has received a major financial boost from Japan and France, The Lagos State Government has revealed. The rail is expected to link Marina, Ikoyi, and Lekki

The project is expected to boost the state government’s effort to sustain its mega-city status. Both countries have earmarked the funds following the previous achievements of the state government.

However, the release of the fund will be determined by the results of a feasibility study, for JICA to commit the sum of US$1bn to the project if the result of the preliminary survey is validated by the feasibility study amongst other conditions. A detailed feasibility study has been commissioned on the monorail project to validate the initial survey.

The state population has continued to rise exerting pressure to partner with other state governments in improving the living standard of the state residents. However, the government has secured a US$100m loan from the French Government to upgrade slums in the state.

The monorail project will connect Marina to Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Nonetheless, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency has bid to expand its development partnership with the Lagos State Government in urban mass transportation. The Monorail project is described to be an urban mass transportation project different from the ongoing Light Rail (Blue Line) project designed to connect 12 miles to CMS and the Light Rail (Red Line) project.

According to Akinyemi Ashade, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, the main objective of the project is to observe the preliminary survey on the Mass Rapid Transit outcome, MRT system in Lagos metropolis conducted by JICA and Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA.

Dec 2016

Phase I of the Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2 was set to open in December 2016.

April 2018

Lagos Blue line rail at 95% Complete

Construction work at the Blue Line rail in Lagos State, Nigeria is at 95% complete. According to Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Ladi Lawanson, the rail line project spans from the mainland to Marina on the island.

Mr Lawanson further revealed that currently, the State government is also focusing on the National Theatre-Marina segment which is at 65% complete.

The ongoing construction work on the National Theatre-Marina segment includes the construction of pile caps, the boring of piles, the pre-inspection of pier positions to determine underground utilities as well as boring of piles across the Lagoon.

Nonetheless, the fabrication of steel cages and casing, painting of reinforcement with anti-rust, seawall strengthening, and the removal of shipwrecks in the lagoon are on course while the bailey beams have been completed at Marina.

According to the commissioner through the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transportation Agency (LAMATA), the State has procured a Single Electric Unit (EMU) rolling stick of 2T+2M, in line with the current environmental considerations as the EMU is already on site awaiting final testing and certification.

Federal Government approval

Lawanson confirmed that the state government has already received the Right of Way approval from the Federal Government for the 37km Agbado-Marina rail routes.

Also read: Nigeria requires US $46bn to complete rail projects

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with Marina Express Train Services Ltd for its development, though the project development agreement of the company is currently being reviewed before the project kick starts.

Lagos Rail Mass Transit also known as Blue Line rail is an urban rail system being developed and is currently under construction in Lagos State. Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is managing the rail project. LAMATA is also responsible for regulation, policy direction, and infrastructure for the network.

Phase I of the Blue Line project network was originally scheduled to be completed in 2011. After many delays caused by funding shortfalls, the opening date was rescheduled to 2018.

Aug 2018

Monorail construction project in Nigeria gets boost from Japan, France

Nigeria’s Marina to Mile 2 section of the Lagos Light Rail project known as the Blue Line Rail, will become operational in 2022. This was confirmed after the Lagos State Government signed a major agreement with an international railway systems aggregation and rolling stocks manufacturer, Alstom SA of France, on the operation of the state Rail Mass Transit.

According to the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Abiodun Dabiri, the partnership is due to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s commitment to transforming public transportation.

Mr. Dabri said a consortium of experts engaged by the state government to undertake technical due diligence on the LRMT Blue Line Project (Mile 2-Marina) had developed a road map to bring the railway project to passenger operations and maintenance infrastructure that would be needed for the commencement of the operation.

Project length

Dabiri said for ease of implementation, the work plan had been divided into two phases, with phase one aimed at demonstrating the non-public operation of the existing rolling stock before the end of the second quarter of 2019.

“For this purpose, a track length of about 3 km from Iganmu Station to the National Theatre will be electrified. This operation would be done with the rolling stocks already supplied for the Blue Line project,” said Dabiri

“This phase would allow the completion of all the preliminary works that would lead to the financing of the main works in Phase Two. Phase one will be fully financed by Lagos State Government through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” he added.

Phase two, which is expected to be completed in 39 months, would entail the provision and installation of railway operations systems for the project from Marina to Mile 2 and the delivery of a passenger-ready Lagos Blue Rail Line by 2022.

Dec 2019

The sea crossing bridge of the Lagos Blue Line Light Rail project was completed in Nigeria

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has finished the Sea Crossing Bridge segment of the Lagos Blue Line Light Rail project traversing from Mile 2 to the Marina hub in Lagos State.

The completion of the 380-meter-long consistent bar extension of the sea crossing for the Blue Line project has raised hopes of finishing the project by the end of 2020.

Other rail lines

The Completion of the Continuous Beam Bridge for the Sea-Crossing of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit-Blue Line Project in Lagos is part of a broader plan to improve traffic management and transportation in Lagos.

Other rail lines on the drawing board are the 68 kilometres – Green Line from Marina through Victoria Island, Lekki Phases 1 and 2, Ajah, Ogombo, Lekki Airport to Lekki Free Trade Zone; the 60 kilometres – Purple Line from the Redemption Camp through Ogba, Iyana Ipaja, Igando and ending at Ojo; and 34 kilometres Yellow Line from Otta through Isheri Osun, Ejigbo Mafoluku, Isolo to National Theater.

There is also the 48-kilometre Orange Line from Ikeja crossing through Mile 12, Ikorodu, Alapadi, Eligana, Isiwu, Imota, and ending at Agbowa.

Challenges

85 per cent of stages I-IV of the Lagos Blue Line Light Rail project are now complete. The completion of the pillar construction effectively means that the most difficult part of the project is now complete.

The sea-crossing span had to overcome difficulties from the effects of fluctuating tides and the continuous berthing of oil vessels. The complex topographical state of the seabed and a few episodes of freight boats slamming into the trestle close to the bustling sea route course were other challenges.

CCECC has completed other projects in Nigeria most significant being Lagos-Badagry Highway, Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Lagos Airport Terminal, Lekki Free Zone, and Blue Line Rail.

Lagos traffic remains one of the most congested in the world and this project will go a long way in improving the situation.

September 2020

Proposed Red Line Rail Project to link Lagos Airport in Nigeria

The Lagos State Government in Nigeria has announced plans to construct a rail infrastructure under the proposed Red Line Rail project, linking the Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS). This together with the world-class bus terminal project under construction will be mainly used to transport air passengers to and from the airport according to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos state governor.

The governor was speaking during a meeting held ahead of the reopening of the airspace for international flight operations, with the management team of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), led by its Managing Director, Captain Rabiu Yadudu.

He said that the Red Line Rail project whose right-of-way has already been determined will start from Ebute Metta and pass through Oshodi. The Lagos State Government hopes to start the project before the end of this year.

The governor’s proposal for improving the Lagos airport

During the meeting, the Lagos state government asked the FAAN management to work on remodelling the airport’s facilities to make it become a hub of business and tourism. He said that some of the facilities installed in the airport needed modernization and upgrading.

He particularly suggested the provision of fast, free internet connectivity within lounges at the airport, explaining that the era of passengers sitting for long without internet access is long gone.

He insisted that the functionality of the Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) must be fully explored, and urged the management to invest in facilities that would drive more passenger traffic to the airfield.

“The Murtala Mohammed International Airport is an important asset, not only to the Federal Government but also to Lagos State. The strategic use of this airport should necessitate that need for us to fully harness the asset and make it a bubbling destination” emphasized the governor.

November 2020

Lagos Blue Line Rail project, Nigeria: Mile-2 to National Theatre section over 98% complete

Mile-2 to the National Theatre section which is Phase II and III of the Lagos Blue Line Rail project, an urban rail system being developed and under construction in Lagos Nigeria is now over 98% complete. This is according to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor for the design and construction of the Light Rail.

The contractor also mentioned that four stations had been completed so far as well as other elements such as the track works, while work was still ongoing on the 4th phase between the National Theatre and Marina Bridge. They explained that some areas of the project platform were elevated for example from Iganmu to Marina, while some others were on the ground in the middle of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

About the Lagos Blue Line Rail project

The Lagos Blue Line Rail project is part of the Rail Mass Transit System project which is sponsored by the Lagos State Government (LSG) and being developed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The 27.5 km Blue Line rail starts from Marina to Okokomaiko and it will have 13 stations. The line will run on the surface in the central reservation of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway between Igbo-Elerin Road (Okokomaiko) and Iganmu. It will then be elevated from Iganmu along the south side of the expressway passing the junction with Eric Moore Road, crossing just south of the National Theatre to Iddo, then south to Lagos Island with a terminal at Marina.

It will operate over a secure and exclusive right-of-way, with no level crossings and no uncontrolled access by pedestrians or vehicles.

Other lines in the Lagos Rail Mass Transit System project the Green, Yellow, Purple, Brown, Orange, and Red lines. The latter will be between Marina and Agbado a distance of approximately 30km and the construction of the line is set to commence in 2021.

August 2021

Construction of the 37-km Rail Mass Transit LRMT Red Line that runs from Agbado to Marina was launched with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), formerly the Foreign Aid Bureau of the Ministry of Railways as the contractor.

The project would be implemented in two phases, the first of which covers a total distance of 28km from Agbado to Oyingbo. This phase will be sharing a track with the Federal Government’s Lagos-Ibadan Railway Modernization Project up to Iddo, from where it will have its own dedicated track to Oyingbo.

The second phase on the other hand starts from Oyingbo to Marina.

With a total of 12 stations, three of which will be along the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, six of the remaining at Iju, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin Yaba, and Oyingbo, and the at Iddo, Ebute-Ero, and Marina, the LRMT Red Line project is expected to be fully operational in the last quarter of 2022.

Once operational, the project whose capacity is approximately 500,000 passengers/day will reduce travel time along the route from about two and a half hours to approximately 35 minutes.

December 2021

Plans for the Construction of Agbado Railway Station in Lagos, Nigeria, Concluded

The Lagos State Government has completed plans for the start of construction works of the ultra-modern Agbado Railway Station in January 2022. This was disclosed by Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) during a stakeholders’ forum, held at Agbado Town Hall, Agbado- Ijaiye, Ogun-Lagos border axis.

The Agbado Railway Station is a part of the ongoing Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line project that includes the construction of a 37-kilometre railway line in Ikeja, from Agbado to Marina, and 12 railway stations in two phases.

Lagos Rail Project: Red Line Overview

The project, which is the second of its kind in the state, following the LRMT Blue Line project whose implementation began back in 2010, is led by the Lagos State Government, Ogun State Government, and the Lagos Ogun Joint Development Commission with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), formerly the Foreign Aid Bureau of the Ministry of Railways, as the contractor.

It is being implemented in two phases, the first of which covers a total distance of 28km from Agbado to Oyingbo. This phase will be sharing a track with the Federal Government’s Lagos-Ibadan Railway Modernization Project up to Iddo, from where it will have its own dedicated track to Oyingbo.

The second phase on the other hand starts from Oyingbo to Marina. With a total of 12 stations, three of which will be along the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, six of the remaining at Iju, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin Yaba, and Oyingbo, and the rest at Iddo, Ebute-Ero, Marina, the LRMT Red Line project whose capacity is approximately 500,000 passengers/day, is expected to be fully operational in the last quarter of 2022.

It will reduce travel time along the route from about two and a half hours to approximately 35 minutes.

Jan 2022

Deal concluded on purchase of trains for use on the Red line

The Lagos state government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has concluded a deal with Patentes Talgo, SAU, a Spanish manufacturer of intercity, standard, and high-speed passenger trains, which is commonly known as Talgo, for the acquisition of the company’s two new 330kmp intra-city metropolitan trains with a total of 10 cars, for use at the 37 km red line railway project.

The deal was concluded inside the Milwaukee facilities of the Spanish train manufacturer in the presence of Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Eng. Aramide Adeyoye, and the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Eng. Abimbola Akinajo.

Best choice of trains for the project

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said that they inspected the trains, saw their configuration, and they are certain that they (the trains) will fit into the tracks of the Redline in Lagos.

“A train is not something you can just go and pick up on the shelf. We are extremely lucky to get these brand new trains that are beautifully white and red in colour, coincidentally, the rail line is called the Red Line.

We are just going to brand the trains and put up our seal on them, and we hope that this (purchase of the trains) will be the beginning of a mutually beneficial business relationship with Talgo,” explained the Lagos state governor.

The start of operation of the Red Line Railway

According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the first phase of the Red Line, with a capacity of 500,000 passengers daily, will begin operations by the last quarter of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023.

Since the start of his administration back in May 2019, Governor Sanwo-Olu has maintained his administration’s commitment to bringing the Red Line project to fruition during the lifetime of his government.

3 new trains were acquired for the Blue Line Rail route

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that his government has acquired 3 new trains to serve the suburbs of Lagos through the 27 kilometres of Blue Line Rail that is currently under construction between Marina and Mile 2, and that is expected to be operational before the end of 2022.

This announcement comes only a few days after the Lagos state government concluded a deal with Patentes Talgo, SAU, a Spanish manufacturer of intercity, standard, and high-speed passenger trains, which is commonly known as Talgo, for the acquisition of the company’s two new 330kmp intra-city metropolitan trains with a total of 10 cars, for use on the 37 km red line rail.

These two lines (Blue and Red Lines) are an integral part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) light rail project which consists of 7 rail axes (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Purple, Orange, and Brown Line).

Blue Line rail route and project team

The Blue Line rail, which is being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) in two phases, starts at the Marina station and runs along the Ebute Ero and Iddo stations, the same as the Red Line rail.

From Iddo, the Blue Line, running on an elevated platform, moves along the National Theatre station and then makes a descent at Iganmu to join the newly expanded Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The expansion, conceived to ease the link between Nigeria and neighbouring West African states, passes through Alaba, Mile 2, Festac, Alakija, Trade Fair station, Volkswagen station, LASU, and finally reaches the Okokomaiko station where the blue line rail also culminates.

The international railway systems aggregation and rolling stocks manufacturer, Alstom SA of France, is also a part of the Blue Line rail.

May 2022

Lagos Rail Project’s red and blue line rail in Nigeria to be completed in Q4 2022

Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently announced that the ongoing Lagos Rail Mass Transit Project’s red and blue line rail in Nigeria are well on course for completion in the fourth quarter of this year.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement while addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing works at Ikeja, Yaba, Ebute Metta, and Marina stations, which are a part of the red and blue line rail projects.

He said that they embarked “on this similar tour approximately three months ago” and that he was happy to report that the construction works are going on according to schedule.

Work done on Ikeja, Yaba, and Ebute Metta stations since the last time the governor toured the sites

According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, there are significant improvements in construction works at the sites of the Ikeja,

“Our promise on the red and blue line rail projects still remains. We believe that by the end of this year, we will see the trains on top of the tracks. That is our commitment and we will begin to monitor and check ourselves to make sure that that happens.

It is a very iconic and landmark project that we are truly proud of, and on behalf of the government, I want to commend all of our contractors for their commitment. They have assured us that they will complete all of the projects on schedule and on budget, whatever it takes” concluded the governor.

The government maintains that Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line will be ready in 2022

The Lagos State Government has guaranteed that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line project will be finished before the end of 2022 as initially promised.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is developing the project, which has a daily capacity of 500,000 people and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2023.

Inspection of the Red Line Rail project

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, provided the guarantee on Sunday while conducting a thorough inspection of the ongoing construction projects surrounding the Red Line project.

According to the governor, Precast beams and other concrete fittings are allegedly being joined to the erected structures as the project enters its final stages.

The Governor said, “The Red Line is a project that our government conceptualized and it will be completed during this administration. We have pledged to do everything in our power for the project to be completed by the end of 2022. We have visited this project four times, and we have seen considerable advancements made along the train line.

Dec 2022

Lagos Rail Project: Sanwo-Olu commemorates the completion of Phase I of the Blue Line rail project

“There is huge regeneration occurring along the train corridor, and we have paid significant sums in compensation. We don’t have any issues with residents of the towns along this corridor because of this.

We started by visiting the Agege station and then moved on to the Ikeja terminal, which happens to be the Red Line’s most recognizable station. Its size is nearly equivalent to the combined size of three football fields.

“As we can see, all of the stations that were examined are at the roof level and close to completion. We are hoping for the best and that the entire project will be finished by the end of the year.

Because of the high density of vehicles, there are some areas where drilling was extremely difficult for the contractor. The only tasks left are the in-situ placement of concrete and the setting of precast beams”.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State recently commemorated the completion of the first phase of the Blue Line rail project that is being carried out under the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project. Sanwo-Olu stated at the National Theatre Station that the first phase of the 27 km-long Blue Line covered five Stations and a 13km stretch.

The Transportation Strategy, according to Sanwo-Olu, is multimodal, combining the various components of road and rail. As well as water and ensuring that they are seamlessly linked. The completion of the first phase of the Blue Line of the LRMT, another historic rail line, according to the governor, has made the state history once again.

He said that electricity from a stand-alone independent power plant would be used to power the line.

Remarks on the Blue Line rail project

He said, “The Blue Line has undoubtedly had a fascinating history. With numerous delays in its construction, none of which, I must state, were caused by a lack of zeal or devotion on the part of the Lagos State Government. The Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda states our goal of creating an integrated transportation system.”

Furthermore, he clarified that the occasion was to mark the end of the project’s construction, not the commissioning of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit’s initial phase. The governor promised that suitable official commissioning would be organized for the first quarter of 2023.

He said, “Before then, we have a crucial phase of testing. To complete to make sure everything is ready for the start of full commercial operations.”

Chu Maoming, the consul general of the Chinese Consulate, praised the Lagos State Government. And the Governor for helping the contractors, CCECC, complete the train project successfully.

According to Maoming, more than 2,000 Chinese workers were deployed to work on the project until it was finished. He promised to keep enticing China to support Nigeria, saying that the infrastructure will boost the country’s economy.

Furthermore, Mr. Zhang Zhichen, Chairman of CCECC, Nig. Ltd., praised the neighbouring communities’ cooperation and understanding throughout the construction. He asserted that the corporation had successfully navigated a number of difficulties over the previous 13 years. And expressed hope that the Blue Line rail project will usher in a new era in Lagos’s transportation history.

Jan 2023

Lagos Rail Project: Two new trains unveiled for Blue Line Rail

Two new trains for the Blue Line Rail project were recently unveiled by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The governor disclosed this on his Instagram page while posting videos and pictures of the new trains.

He wrote, “Dear Lagos, we have received two new train sets for the Blue Line Rail. When these passenger trains arrived at the National Theatre station, they were raised onto the elevated rail tracks after being cleared at the port of entry.

“With the arrival of these train sets, we are on track to change the look of the rail transportation system in Lagos State. And I am happy to notify the good people of Lagos of this. Indeed, Lagos is expanding,” he added.

The LRMT project seeks to complete a modal transfer of urban vehicle traffic to rails by 2032. So as to reduce traffic on the city’s highways. They experience endless traffic jams on a daily basis which affects mobility.

LASG announced in December that the first section of the Blue Line’s infrastructure was ready for operation. And would convey about 200,000 passengers daily. In a statement, The Consultant, Corporate Communications of LAMATA, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, said that the infrastructure’s completion fulfilled a promise made by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, Sanwo-Olu had guaranteed that the project would be completed in the last quarter of 2022 before passenger operations could begin in the first quarter of 2023. The rail system would be powered by electricity from an independent power plant to be purposely built for its operations.

1st phase of Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line opened for service

The first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line project in Nigeria’s southwestern state of Lagos was officially opened for service by President Muhammadu Buhari. The project was carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) between July 2010 and December 2022.

LRMT Blue Line phase one traverses Okokomaiko, a densely populated area in the western part of Lagos, and Marina, a business district on Lagos Island covering a total of 13 km and five stations.

According to President Muhammadu Buhari, the project is “historic,” and it will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as improve the lives of locals.

In Africa, the Blue Line stands out as a remarkable metro rail system that includes three stops: the National Theatre, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba. Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has confirmed that this rail system is the first of its kind in Africa, boasting a sea crossing and being initiated by a sub-national entity, making it a pioneering achievement globally.

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has projected that once commercial operations commence, the train is expected to cater to a staggering daily passenger count of 250,000 individuals. He further emphasized that this project represents an extraordinarily ambitious endeavour, as it is funded by a sub-national government.

Following this notable milestone, Governor Sanwo-Olu has taken a significant step by signing an agreement for the second phase of the rail project. This phase will extend the rail system from Mile 2 and culminate at Okokomaiko, situated along the Lagos-Badagry expressway. It is worth noting that this expressway serves as a vital link between Lagos and Cotonou in the neighbouring Benin Republic.

Contract for the 2nd phase of Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line project in Nigeria signed 

After the official launch of the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line project in Nigeria, the president attended a contract signing ceremony for the construction of the second phase of the LRMT Blue Line project. The contract was signed by the Lagos metropolitan area transport authority and the CCECC.

Jul 2023

Lagos Rail Mass Transit: 18MW power plant to be built for Blue Line rail

Lagos State Government is set to build an 18MW power plant for Blue Line rail in Lagos. The power plant, which is being built near the National Theatre in Iganmu, will offer continuous electricity to ensure the smooth functioning of the train system, which is anticipated to begin conducting regular operations in June 2023.

Business Day learned that the state administration has been negotiating with the Eko Electricity Distribution Company for a backup power supply in addition to the independent power plant.